Antony was born eight weeks early and spent the first two months of life in a hospital in Guatemala. Now five months old, he is still very small because his mother has been unable to produce breast milk due to lactational failure.
“Antony’s mother received a couple of tins of formula from the hospital, which she has been diluting to give to her son,” our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), tells us. “Unfortunately, this is not enough for him, and he has been losing weight and is now acutely malnourished.”
“Since Antony is not getting the calories and nutrients he needs, his immune system is weak, and if he gets diarrhea, he could die due to his fragile state,” continues WK. “Without treatment, he is also at long-term risk of developmental delays, behavioral problems, and increased risk of chronic disease as an adult.”
Antony’s mother makes and sells crafts and cleans her neighbor’s homes and clothes to earn money to support herself and her son. Despite her hard work, she does not earn enough to purchase formula for Antony. “I am worried because my son still looks small,” she shares. “I want my son to grow well and be in good health.”
For $1,016, “Antony will receive formula and growth monitoring, and his mother will receive motivational nutrition classes so she knows how to help Antony get well and prevent future illness,” explains WK. Funding pays for one year’s supply of formula and six months of micronutrient support for Antony, as well as the costs of a case manager and a nutritionist to help Gregorio’s mother plan his meals and coordinate his care.
“Antony will be able to gain weight and grow taller, and his immune system will grow stronger, saving his life,” says WK. “His mother will learn about what solid foods to introduce, and when, giving her son a bright future, and the ability to live a normal childhood, and avoid the long-term consequences of malnutrition.”
